Hammond and Proctor Dentistry

Of course we smile when we feel happy, but there's evidence to show that the link between smiling and happiness might go both ways — the simple act of smiling can make us feel a little better! Even a fake smile releases endorphins (the feel-good hormone), so it might be worth smiling in the face of a rough day; it might just improve.

That simple endorphin boost from smiling gives us a lot of other benefits far beyond a mood boost. Endorphins reduce pain and relieve stress because they function a lot like painkillers. Unlike painkillers, however, they don't cause side effects!

Over time, endorphins can have cumulative positive effects on our health. The simple habit of smiling more can lead to long-term health benefits such as increased resilience against illnesses and a decreased risk of getting cancer. The better we are at managing our stress, the fewer stress-induced mutations our cells will go through, making cancer less likely.

Studies show that people perceive smiling faces to be younger and more attractive, but a lifetime of regular smiling and the benefits it brings can actually contribute to living longer. And it's easier to smile confidently with healthy teeth and gums!

The world needs what you have to offer. Keep shining!

Your dentist can also check for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Early detection can save you money and time in the long run.

Capture your dream day in 3 words!

These are a few common causes of bad breath so take care of your oral health to keep your breath smelling fresh!

New month, new smile! Schedule an appointment today.

Tooth decay is a drag, but we can fix you right up!

High marks for a new school year start with a healthy smile! Schedule your back-to-school checkup today.

You have a grin that could win over anyone, it's contagious!

Your dream smile is just around the corner.

As parents, every milestone a new baby reaches is incredibly exciting, and sometimes we can get impatient and even start worrying long before we should. To get out in front of that tendency, let's lay out the average schedule of baby teeth development and eruption.

The process of growing teeth (called odontogenesis) begins in week six of pregnancy and continues after the teeth have begun erupting because the roots still have some growing to do. Babies typically get their teeth two by two, starting with the bottom front teeth somewhere between six and ten months old. Next are usually the top front teeth between months eight and twelve. After that, they get their bottom lateral incisors, then the top lateral incisors.

You might expect the canines to be next, but nope! Next up are the lower molars, then the upper molars, and only then is it time for the canines. Completing the set of baby teeth is the second set of molars, which will usually arrive by age three.

There's no need to worry if baby teeth seem slow to arrive, but if there still aren't any by the 18-month mark, a dentist should take a look. No matter whether teeth are early or late, though, bring them to the dentist once the first tooth erupts!

Upcoming appointments? Lock them in!

Let the summer shenanigans commence!

Don't wait until your teeth hurt to see a dentist! Regular checkups and cleanings can help prevent cavities and gum disease.

Sending a big shoutout to all our amazing patients! We can't express how much we appreciate you. You make our work a joy!

Anyone who swims or scuba dives frequently could encounter some unique dental issues if they aren't careful. Let's take a closer look at the big ones.

The longer teeth are exposed to acidic chlorine ions in pool water, the more likely they are to develop brown or yellow stains. These are called swimmer's calculus. As good as chlorine is at keeping a public pool sanitary for all swimmers, it can become acidic enough to affect tooth enamel. Swimmers can minimize this effect by swimming with their mouths closed as much as possible and drinking plenty of water to rinse traces of pool water off of their teeth.

Scuba divers have a different set of concerns, particularly "tooth squeeze" or barodontalgia. That feeling of pressure building up in the ears when diving to the bottom of the pool is very similar to what happens inside each tooth, especially teeth with untreated cavities or ineffective dental treatment. The pressure can build to such a degree that it can even fracture teeth, which is why we strongly encourage divers to visit the dentist before starting a new diving season.

Divers often also deal with ill-fitting scuba mouthpieces, which can lead to jaw strain and even TMD symptoms. We recommend getting a custom-fitted mouthpiece to protect the teeth and jaws.

Lying back in the dental chair, where does your eye travel?

When it comes to grilling, what can't you resist?

Let freedom ring! Wishing you a happy and patriotic 4th of July.

Don't let food get away with it! Floss daily to remove plaque and keep your smile sparkling.

The world at your fingertips. How do you stay connected?

Dental anxiety keeps millions of people from seeking dental treatment every year, and it affects kids too. Parents can help their kids develop a positive mindset about the dentist by following a few simple tips:

1. Start early. As soon as a child has their first tooth, they can benefit from seeing the dentist.

2. Play pretend. For young children, some imaginative play can help this new experience seem less intimidating. Take turns with them playing the role of the dentist and the patient.

3. Explain to older kids. Kids will be more comfortable when they understand the situation, so if they're old enough, simply explain what dental visits are like and why they're important for their teeth.

4. Prioritize dental hygiene. If kids already understand how brushing and flossing keep their smiles healthy, they are more likely to appreciate what the dentist can do for them.

5. Come meet the dentist ahead of time. Instead of diving straight into the dental exam and cleaning, schedule a meet-and-greet so that the dentist won't feel like such a stranger!

6. Be there for them. The easiest way to make the first few dental appointments less scary is by coming along and being present in the exam room to offer support and encouragement.

Don't Just Brush It Off: Why Oral Hygiene is Crucial to Your Health

Beat the Heat Treats: What cools you down best in summer?

Here's to sunny days and bright smiles!

Your smile shines brightest with us by your side. Schedule an appointment today!

There's no bond quite like the one between a father and child. Happy Father's Day!

Fresh breath can be achieved through a good oral hygiene routine, as depicted by the toothbrush, tongue scraper, mouthwash, and sugar-free gum in this image.

Gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems don't set in overnight. That's why it's so important to have regular checkups and to be diligent with daily oral hygiene habits. If it's been a while since the last trip to the dentist, here are the top 5 signs it's time to schedule a quick visit:

1. Persistent tooth pain or mouth sores: pain is the body's alarm system, so don't ignore it! Tooth pain rarely goes away on its own and can become much worse without treatment. A mouth sore that isn't healing on its own could also be a sign of infection or disease.

2. Bleeding gums could be the result of an overly aggressive flossing or brushing technique (this is why soft bristles are best), but it's rarely a sign of good gum health. Most likely, it's a symptom of gum disease and should be checked by a dentist.

3. If an old filling or crown becomes too worn out, damaged, or falls off, get to the dentist quickly so that it can be repaired before infection has a chance to set in.

4. A serious medical condition like diabetes or an eating disorder can impact oral health. So could a new prescription.

5. Chronic bad breath isn't just a source of embarrassment, it's often a sign of a more serious problem like gum disease or tooth decay. Bring that problem to the dentist for help!

There's always a reason to smile, even on a tough day. What brightens your day?